Hobbs
A boy's name of Old English origin with 24 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
If you're considering Hobbs, you're looking at a name that fewer than 24 families have ever chosen in the U.S. That kind of rarity is intentional — it signals that the name was chosen for its sound, its personal meaning, or a family connection rather than a trend.
The sharp, distinct ending gives Hobbs a direct, strong feel that works well in both playground and boardroom.
Hobbs is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Hobbs is a boy's baby name of Old English origin, a medieval pet name for Robert — from the Old English Hrod-beorht, meaning 'bright fame.' Hobbs was a common Middle English surname derived from this nickname, carried by countless English families. It's also the name of the lovable tiger in Bill Watterson's beloved comic strip Calvin and Hobbes.
For fans of the strip, Hobbs carries warmth and whimsy — the imaginary tiger friend who was more loyal and wise than most real ones. As a given name, it's affectionate, slightly playful, and carried with the ease of someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Hobbs is a boy's name with a focused stretch of recorded use (2013–2017). Its Old English roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
With 24 total births, Hobbs exists at the edges of the American naming landscape — a name known primarily to the families who carry it, giving it an intensely personal character.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Hobbs has 4+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2013.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 24 | #11551 | — |
The Story of Hobbs
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2015, Hobbs is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Hobbs are most likely born between 2013 and 2017.
How rare is Hobbs?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Hobbs is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2013, peaked in the 2010s with 24 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(4 years, 2013–2017)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 5 | #12982 |
| 2016 | 5 | #12927 |
| 2015 | 8 | #9049 |
| 2013 | 6 | #11244 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hobbs a boy's or girl's name?
When was Hobbs most popular?
How popular is the name Hobbs?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2013–2017